Toyota the driving force behind energy-saving volleyball facility

The facility is located on Toyota's Kinuura plant (in Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture)

Japan’s largest all-weather volleyball facility – with “comprehensive energy-saving measures” – has been built on a site belonging to car manufacturer Toyota.

Located on its Kinuura plant (in Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture), the complex will be home to Toyota’s corporate beach volleyball team.

The facility has two indoor courts, and employs a number of energy-saving techniques, including warm water coils to heat the floor, radiation panels and cascade air conditioning.

Natural lighting and ventilation will also be facilitated by the high placement of windows.

In addition, greening measures have also been implemented to “harmonise the facilities” with the surrounding environment.

Toyota’s team is the first corporate volleyball team in Japan, and was created to enhance company unity and develop relationships with local communities through sport and development.

Complex specifications

The car maker said its goal was twofold: “to use sports to create a peaceful and discrimination-free society, and to use mobility to contribute to the realisation of a sustainable society”.

“In the lead-up to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, we are keen to energise Japan, starting in Aichi Prefecture, and from Hekinan City in particular,” said Shunichi Kawai, general manager and coach of Toyota’s beach volleyball team.

“Using this outstanding environment allows us to practice no matter the weather, to produce athletes who have the ability to compete for podiums on the global stage, including the Olympic Games.”